Cooking device with steam cooking function

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking appliance (1) with a steam cooking function, comprising a cooking chamber (11) designed to hold food to be prepared, the cooking chamber (11) being substantially enclosed by a housing (10), a steam source (16) designed to generate steam for preparing the food, and at least one steam inlet element (2) designed and arranged to guide at least a portion of the steam from the steam source (16) through the housing (10) into the cooking chamber (11). The cooking appliance (1) with a steam cooking function is characterized in that the steam inlet element (2) is, at least partially, made of metal, preferably stainless steel.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooking appliance with a steam cooking function.

[0002] One method of preparing food is steaming, where the food is cooked using steam. Appropriate cooking appliances can be called steam cookers. These include electric steam cookers with stackable steaming baskets, typically freestanding units, as well as built-in steam cookers. The steam cooking function can be the sole function of such an appliance or an additional function, for example, of a conventional oven, which can then be called a steam oven. Steam ovens and steam cookers can also be grouped under the term "cooking appliance with steam cooking function," a term that can encompass other similar appliances as well.

[0003] Steam ovens are typically built-in appliances, installed horizontally in a kitchen unit and accessible from the front. The housing of such ovens is usually fixed to the unit. The housing contains the cooking chamber, which can usually be closed by a door that typically swings downwards towards the user to provide access. Food can be placed in the cooking chamber and, during operation, surrounded by hot steam to cook it. The steam can be generated by a steam source within the oven, such as a steam generator, and fed into the cooking chamber through a steam inlet.

[0004] It is known from various manufacturers to provide a single steam inlet in one of the two side walls of the cooking chamber to feed steam into the cooking chamber. Such an arrangement is disclosed, for example, in US patent 5,103,800 A. A steam inlet can also be located on other boundary walls of a cooking chamber. For example, German patent DE 10 2010 043 490 A1 shows the positioning of the steam inlet on the ceiling wall of the cooking chamber.

[0005] In the steam cooking appliances shown in publications DE 10 2016 211 580 A1 and DE 10 2014 217 024 A1, the steam inlet is located on the rear wall of the cooking chamber. It is also known from the applicant's Generation 6000 steam cooking appliances to arrange the steam inlet on the rear wall of the cooking chamber and to use eight distributed steam inlets to achieve a more even steam distribution. The principle of this type of steam supply is described in EP 2 469 191 A1.

[0006] A disadvantage of the cooking appliance EP 2 469 191 A1 is that the eight steam inlets are formed in a plastic component located on the rear wall of the cooking chamber. However, standard plastics are not microwave-resistant, meaning that such a cooking appliance cannot have a microwave function.

[0007] To achieve this, a microwave-resistant plastic would have to be used for the plastic component with the eight steam inlets of the cooking appliance in EP 2 469 191 A1. However, since the selection of such plastics is limited, this could lead to increased costs. Furthermore, the limited selection of microwave-resistant plastics could restrict the design possibilities.

[0008] It should be noted that the requirements for the approval of plastics as microwave-safe are expected to increase in the future, so that the effort required to find a microwave-safe plastic for such cooking appliances with a steam cooking function will increase further, or the selection of microwave-safe plastics for such cooking appliances with a steam cooking function will decrease further.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective technical problem of achieving a more uniform steam distribution in the cooking chamber.

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a cooking appliance with a steam cooking function having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following dependent claims.

[0011] The present invention thus relates to a cooking appliance with a steam cooking function, comprising a cooking chamber designed to hold food to be prepared, the cooking chamber being substantially enclosed by a housing, a steam source designed to generate steam for preparing the food, and at least one steam inlet element designed and arranged to guide at least a portion of the steam from the steam source through the housing into the cooking chamber. The cooking appliance with a steam cooking function is characterized in that the steam inlet element is, at least partially, made at least substantially of metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0012] In other words, the steam inlet element is made, at least in part, of a metallic material instead of plastic. This makes the steam inlet element, and thus the entire steam cooker, microwave-safe. In this way, the steam cooker can also offer a microwave function as an additional feature. To achieve this, the steam inlet element can be made primarily of metal. Preferably, the steam inlet element is made of metal to enhance this effect. Stainless steel is preferably used to achieve the properties described above while also creating a robust, durable, and / or visually appealing design.

[0013] According to the invention, the steam inlet element has an opening element which is arranged at least partially inside the cooking chamber. Preferably, the steam inlet element is designed as a nozzle. At least the section of the opening element located in the cooking chamber is made at least substantially of metal, preferably stainless steel. The opening element is preferably designed as a screw with an external thread and an axial through-hole, the external thread engaging in a receiving element of the steam inlet element.

[0014] The opening element forms the section of the steam inlet element through which the steam is introduced into the cooking chamber.

[0015] In this way, the previously described properties of the steam inlet element, which, among other things, enable microwave compatibility, can be achieved in the cooking chamber of the steam oven, where they can then be utilized. The other components of the steam inlet element can be designed differently, as described in more detail below, to exhibit other properties and advantages. Designing the steam inlet element preferably as a nozzle can be advantageous in that a higher pressure or a higher exit velocity of the steam into the cooking chamber can be achieved, since a nozzle reduces the diameter and thus increases the pressure. This can preferably be achieved in combination with a powerful steam generator of, for example, 3.3 kW in the steam oven.

[0016] According to the invention, the opening element has at least one through-opening designed to guide steam from the steam source through the housing into the cooking chamber, wherein the ratio between the length of the opening element and the diameter of the through-opening of the opening element is selected such that at least substantially no microwave radiation can escape through the through-opening of the opening element into the cooking chamber. This ensures that the opening element, or its through-opening, is microwave-tight, which can benefit the microwave suitability of the cooking appliance with steam cooking function.This is achieved in particular by the fact that the opening of the opening element has a mean diameter of less than 4 millimeters, preferably approximately 3 millimeters, and the length of the opening in the metal opening element is at least 9 millimeters, preferably more than 12 millimeters, and 15 millimeters in the embodiment shown. In practice, it has proven advantageous for the diameter to be no less than 1.5 millimeters and for the length not to exceed 40 millimeters. According to the invention, the steam inlet element has a receiving element that receives and holds the opening element, the receiving element being arranged at least substantially, preferably completely, outside the cooking chamber.As previously mentioned, the steam inlet element can thus be designed in at least two parts: an opening element, as described above, and a differently designed receiving element made of a different material. While microwave suitability can be achieved through the opening element, which is located at least partially within the cooking chamber of the steam oven, these properties are unnecessary for the receiving element. This allows the receiving element to be designed differently and, in particular, more cost-effectively with regard to its construction and / or material, thus enabling a more versatile and / or more cost-effective overall design for the steam inlet element.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the opening element has a head region which is supported against the housing from inside the cooking chamber, and the receiving element is supported against the housing from outside the cooking chamber. In this way, the steam inlet element can be attached to the housing or to both sides of a corresponding through-opening by allowing the opening element, with its head region (which may be designed to be larger, at least in some sections, than the through-opening of the housing), to rest against the housing from the inside of the cooking chamber, so that the receiving element (which may also be designed to be larger, at least in some sections, than the through-opening of the housing) can rest against the opening element from the inside of the housing.In other words, the steam inlet element can be clamped to the housing on both sides of the through-hole using its opening element and its receiving element. This eliminates the need for additional mounting and fastening elements for the steam inlet element, simplifying installation and / or saving costs in the manufacture of the steam inlet element and its materials.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the receiving element is made at least partially, preferably substantially, and preferably entirely of plastic. In this way, a wide variety of plastic materials can be used to manufacture the receiving element, taking advantage of their respective properties. In particular, a particularly cost-effective manufacturing process for the receiving element can be achieved using a plastic part, especially one produced by injection molding. The properties of the plastic material do not impede the receiving element or the steam inlet element and its suitability for microwave use, since the receiving element is shielded from the cooking chamber by the metallic opening element, thus allowing microwave radiation to be used in the cooking chamber.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the opening element has an external thread, preferably a self-tapping external thread, and the receiving element preferably has an internal thread. In this way, the opening element can be screwed into the receiving element by means of its external thread to create a simple, secure, and durable connection. For this purpose, a self-tapping external thread of the opening element can preferably be used to cut an internal thread into the receiving element or a recess provided therein. This results in a particularly high durability of the connection and eliminates the need to separately form an internal thread in the receiving element. The receiving element can preferably be made of a plastic material into which the metallic external thread of the opening element can cut.Alternatively, the receiving element can also have an internal thread into which the external thread of the opening element can engage. This also creates a secure and durable connection, and screwing the opening element into the receiving element requires less force than previously described due to the pre-fabricated corresponding threads.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, at least one sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is arranged between the opening element and the receiving element, and / or at least one sealing element, preferably an O-ring, is arranged between the housing and the receiving element. In this way, additional sealing, particularly against steam leakage, can be achieved at the respective location of the steam inlet element between the corresponding elements by means of the respective sealing element. Preferably, both sealing elements can also be used at the respective locations to achieve the highest possible tightness, and in particular the highest possible steam tightness. Using O-rings as sealing elements for this purpose can represent a particularly simple and cost-effective way to achieve this tightness.

[0021] According to the invention, the receiving element has at least one through-opening designed to supply steam from the steam source to the opening element, the through-opening being tapered towards the opening element. In this way, steam can be supplied from the steam source through the receiving element to the opening element and through it into the cooking chamber. The tapered design of the through-opening of the receiving element allows for a pressure increase and thus an increase in the exit velocity of the steam, similar to a nozzle.

[0022] According to another aspect, it can be advantageous for the through-opening of the receiving element and also the through-opening of the opening element to be designed as a nozzle, so that the steam can already be increased in its exit velocity in the receiving element, which can be further enhanced by a nozzle effect of the opening element.

[0023] According to the invention, the receiving element is connected to at least one steam line, preferably by means of a retaining element. In this way, steam can be supplied via the steam line, for example from a steam source of the cooking appliance with a steam cooking function, such as a steam generator. The steam line can also be implemented as a hose. This allows the steam source to be positioned at a distance from the steam inlet element and connected to it via the steam line, thus enabling a more flexible arrangement of the steam source. This can, in particular, allow for better utilization of the installation space of the cooking appliance with a steam cooking function. Attaching the steam line to the receiving element via a retaining element can be advantageous in that it provides a secure and, in particular, a steam-tight connection.The retaining element can be implemented, for example, via at least one barb, locking element, projection, or undercut, which can be particularly effective in combination with a clamp or similar device. This allows for simple and quick installation while ensuring a secure hold.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the steam inlet element is arranged on a wall, preferably on a flank of a wall indentation, of the housing such that the steam inlet element can guide the steam into the cooking chamber at least substantially at an angle to the housing wall, the angle being other than 90°. The angle between the direction of steam introduction into the cooking chamber and the housing wall is to be measured between the central longitudinal axis of the flow path of the steam inlet element and the plane of extension of the entire housing wall. This inclination is not limited to a single angle. The range of possible angles should be no less than 15°, preferably starting at 20°, and particularly preferably having its lower limit at 30°. The range of possible angles should be no greater than 65°, preferably ending at 60°, and particularly preferably having its upper limit at 50°.A particularly favorable embodiment appears to be an angle of 40° with a deviation of up to 5° in both directions.

[0025] According to another aspect, the central longitudinal axis of the flow path of the steam inlet element, and thus the angle, is preferably aligned in the horizontal plane and / or parallel to the extension plane of the cooking chamber floor.

[0026] In other words, the angle between the steam inlet element, its opening element, or its passage opening, which determines the direction of steam flow upon exiting the steam inlet element, and the wall, and especially the contour of the housing wall, can be achieved by inclined the wall in this area relative to the rest of the wall by a specific angle. This can result in a steam flow direction into the cooking chamber that is not perpendicular to one side of the cooking chamber wall, as previously known, but inclined at the aforementioned angle. This can lead to stronger circulation and turbulence of the steam within the cooking chamber, allowing the entire interior to be reached more evenly by the steam than previously known. This, in turn, allows for a more uniform steam distribution and thus more even cooking of the food inside.

[0027] For this purpose, it may be sufficient to choose an angle other than 90° to achieve the previously described turbulence. Adjusting this angle through the aforementioned ranges towards an optimal angle of 40° can enhance and reliably achieve the effect described above. Preferably aligning the angle horizontally can achieve a particularly uniform steam distribution, as this occurs primarily horizontally and can rise vertically due to the heat of the steam, allowing the uniform steam distribution formed horizontally to continue vertically throughout the entire cooking chamber. This can enable a particularly homogeneous steam distribution within the cooking chamber, as described above, with the corresponding properties and advantages.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the steam inlet element is designed such that it can guide the steam into the cooking chamber at least substantially at an angle to a wall, preferably to a flank of a wall indentation, wherein the angle is not equal to 90°, preferably between 15° and 65°, preferably between 20° and 60°, preferably between 30° and 50°, and preferably 40°, the angle preferably being horizontal. In other words, the properties described above can also be achieved by the steam inlet element itself having an angle in the course of the steam flow, which preferably in a head region of the opening element ensures that the opening of the opening element is inclined at an angle relative to the body region of the opening element. This, too, can lead to the properties and advantages described above.

[0029] It is also possible to combine the two previously described angles of the steam inlet element by firstly arranging the steam inlet element at an angle to a wall (i.e., at a non-90° angle) and simultaneously designing the steam inlet element with the angle. In this case, with a horizontal arrangement, the two angles can add together, resulting in a corresponding deflection of the steam into the interior. It is also conceivable to position the angle of the wall horizontally and align the steam inlet element vertically, so that the steam can be additionally directed vertically upwards through the angled opening of the inlet element. This, too, can lead to a more uniform distribution of the steam than previously known.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the steam inlet element is arranged on a rear wall of the cooking chamber of the housing. In this way, the most uniform possible distribution of steam into the cooking chamber via the steam inlet element can be achieved.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the steam cooking appliance has at least two steam inlets, the angles of which are preferably directed away from each other. Using multiple steam inlet elements allows for a more uniform steam distribution, as the steam can be introduced into the cooking chamber at several different points. Furthermore, with appropriate design of the steam inlet openings to ensure adequate microwave tightness, increasing the number of steam inlet elements allows a sufficient quantity of steam to be introduced into the cooking chamber simultaneously to achieve the desired cooking effect. Preferably directing the steam inlet elements away from each other can be advantageous in that it results in a more homogeneous and uniform distribution of steam within the cooking chamber.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the steam inlet element is arranged at a height above a first mounting level and below a second mounting level, the first mounting level preferably being the lowest. A mounting level is understood to be a support in the interior of the cooking chamber in which accessories of the steam cooking appliance, such as a drip tray, a food container, or a food carrier, can be accommodated. Arranging the steam inlet element between two such levels can be advantageous in that the distribution of the steam is not obstructed by the accessories of the steam cooking appliance, but can flow horizontally through them. This allows for better and faster distribution of the steam in the cooking chamber.

[0033] Positioning the steam inlet element above the lowest mounting level can be advantageous because a drip tray is typically located at this level. In the second mounting level above, and potentially in further levels above that, cooking containers or carriers are usually arranged, typically equipped with a steam-permeable base. This allows the steam to be introduced below the lowest cooking container and distributed horizontally evenly, from where it rises vertically to reach the food containers, ensuring that the steam also reaches the food being prepared from below. This prevents the drip tray from obstructing the distribution and flow of the steam.

[0034] Several embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a side view of a cooking appliance with a steam cooking function according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the cooking appliance with a steam cooking function. Fig. 1 Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of the cooking appliance with steam cooking function. Fig. 1 Figure 4 shows an interior view of the rear wall of the cooking chamber of the steam cooking appliance. Fig. 1 Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the rear wall of the cooking chamber of the steam cooking appliance. Fig. 1 from above; Figure 6 shows a horizontal section of the cooking chamber of the steam oven. Fig. 1 Figure 7 is a sectional view of a steam inlet element of the cooking appliance with steam cooking function according to the first embodiment; Figure 8 is a side view of a steam inlet element of the cooking appliance with steam cooking function according to a second embodiment; Figure 9 is a top view of the steam inlet element of the Fig. 8 ; and Figure 10 shows a horizontal section of the steam inlet element of the Fig. 8 .

[0035] The figures above are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. A longitudinal direction X extends, which can also be called depth X. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X extends a transverse direction Y, which can also be called width Y. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y extends a vertical direction Z, which can also be called height Z.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function. Fig. 2 shows a rear view of cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function. Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function of the Fig. 1 . Fig. 4 shows an interior view of the rear wall 12a of the cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function. Fig. 1 from above. Fig. 6 shows a horizontal section of the cooking chamber 11 of the cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function of the Fig. 1 .

[0037] The cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function, which is considered in the present embodiments, can also be referred to as a steam cooker 1 and, in particular, as a combined steam cooker 1, which, in addition to the steam cooking function, can also have a microwave function and, optionally, a baking function. The steam cooker 1 has a housing 10, which is made of metal. The housing 10 essentially encloses a cooking chamber 11, which is rectangular or box-shaped. The housing 10 is essentially formed by a wall 12, which has a rear cooking chamber wall 12a, a right cooking chamber side wall 12b, a left cooking chamber side wall 12c, a cooking chamber floor 12d, and a cooking chamber ceiling 12e.

[0038] In depth X, the cooking chamber 11 is open at the front towards the user and can be closed for operation with a cooking chamber door 15. The cooking chamber door 15 can, for example, be hinged to one of the two cooking chamber side walls 12b, 12c, so that the user can open the cooking chamber door 15 by pivoting it sideways or downwards to access the cooking chamber 11 and place or remove food to be cooked. The cooking chamber door 15 can then be pivoted in front of the opening of the cooking chamber 11 and locked there, for example, to operate the steam oven 1 and cook the food placed in the cooking chamber 11 using the steam cooking function or another function of the combined steam oven 1.

[0039] To implement the steam cooking function of the steam cooker 1, the steam cooker 1 has a steam source 16 in the form of a steam generator 16, which is arranged above the housing 10 at height Z. The steam from the steam generator 16 can be conveyed to the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber via two steam lines 17 in the form of hoses 17. From there, the steam can be introduced into the cooking chamber 11 via a steam inlet element 2, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0040] Inside the cooking chamber 11, several mounting levels 14a-14d are arranged on each of the two cooking chamber side walls 12a, 12c. These mounting levels are formed by two parallel metal rails 18a of a metal support element 18. One metal support element 18 is arranged on each cooking chamber side wall 12b, 12c, and these are configured such that the mounting levels 14a-14d are formed between each pair of support rails 18a. The individual mounting levels 14a-14d are spaced evenly apart in height Z. The metal rails 18a forming the mounting levels 14a-14d are arranged in pairs and are aligned parallel to each other in width Y. Accessories of the steam cooker 1 can be placed in the mounting levels 14a-14d. For example, a drip tray can be placed in a first, lower mounting level 14a (not shown).In the upper second to fourth mounting levels 14b-14d, a cooking container or cooking carrier can be accommodated (not shown), in which food to be prepared can be arranged.

[0041] To introduce steam into the cooking chamber 11, according to a first embodiment, as described in the Fig. 1 bis 7 Considered is a steam inlet element 2 in the form of a steam inlet 2, as described in detail in the Fig. 7 The steam inlet element 2 can be designed to be straight in its path in order to allow a straight flow of steam into the cooking chamber 11.

[0042] To set an angle α at which the flow path S of the steam enters the cooking chamber 11, the cooking chamber rear wall 12a can have an indentation 13 according to the first embodiment, see Fig. 4 bis 6 This embossing can essentially run parallel to the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber, but can have a circumferential flank 13a which is inclined at an angle α to the depth X. A steam inlet element 2 can be arranged on each of the two lateral flanks 13a of the embossing 13, so that the steam can enter the cooking chamber 11 at an angle α of approximately 40° to the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber. This can lead to a more pronounced turbulence and mixing of the steam with the air within the cooking chamber 11, as described by the steam flow paths S according to the Fig. 6 is hinted at.

[0043] Two steam inlet elements 2 can be used, which are aligned pointing away from each other and each inclined at an angle α to the rear wall of the cooking chamber 12a, see Fig. 5 und 6 This allows steam to be introduced into the cooking chamber 11 from both sides in the horizontal plane in which the two steam inlet elements 2 are arranged. This allows a comparatively homogeneous steam layer to form in this horizontal plane within the cooking chamber 11. Since the two steam inlet elements 2 are simultaneously arranged above the first, lowest receiving level 14a of the drip tray, this horizontally homogeneous steam layer can form directly above the drip tray (not shown) and rise vertically from there at height Z to reach the food containers of the second to fourth receiving levels 14b-14d (not shown). This can result in a comparatively homogeneous distribution of steam within the cooking chamber 11.

[0044] The angled arrangement of the steam inlet elements 2 on the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber can also lead to improved routing of the hoses 17 outside the cooking chamber 11, as this allows them to be routed with comparatively large radii of 12 cm or more and with a tangential supply of steam from the steam generator 16 to the cooking chamber 11. This avoids constrictions or kinks in the hoses 17, which can impede or reduce the pressure of the steam in the hose 17, thus increasing the efficiency of the steam cooker 1 compared to known devices. The point with the smallest diameter in the hose routing can be positioned directly at the point where the hoses 17 exit the steam generator 16, which can reduce the resulting pressure losses.

[0045] The steam inlet element 2 according to the first embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 7 As shown in detail, it essentially consists of an opening element 20, which has a head region 20a and a body region 20b. The head region 20a is radially larger than the body region 20b, so that the opening element 20 can be inserted from the inside of the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber through a through-opening in the housing 10 in this area (not shown) without being able to pass through the through-opening. This allows the opening element 20 to be held inside the cooking chamber 11 by its head region 20a.

[0046] The body section 20b of the opening element 20 can be received by a receiving element 23 from the outside of the housing 10, i.e., from outside the cooking chamber 11. The body section 20b of the opening element 20 can be correspondingly smaller than the receiving element 23, so that the body section 20b can be encompassed and received by the receiving element 23. At the same time, the receiving element 23 can be designed to be large enough, corresponding to the head section 20a of the opening element 20, so that the receiving element 23 can rest against the housing 10 from outside the cooking chamber 11. In this way, the edge of the passage opening of the housing 10 can be clamped between itself from the inside of the cooking chamber 11 by the head area 20a of the opening element 20 and from the opposite side by the receiving element 23, which can lead to a secure hold of the steam inlet element 2 in the passage opening of the housing 10.

[0047] To connect the opening element 20, or its body section 20b, and the receiving element 23, the body section 20b can, for example, have an internal thread 22 and the receiving element 23 an external thread 25. The two pre-fabricated threads 22, 25 can be screwed together, thus achieving the previously described connection between the opening element 20 and the receiving element 23. Alternatively, the receiving element 23 can also have a smooth area into which a self-tapping internal thread 22 of the opening element 20 can cut. In this case, the receiving element 23 can preferably be made of plastic. This also provides a secure and, if necessary, easier-to-manufacture connection between the receiving element 23 and the opening element 20.The screw connection of the opening element 20 to the receiving element 23 offers not only the simplicity and durability of the connection but also the advantage of avoiding any welding or adhesive residue inside the cooking chamber 11. This can result in a "clean" appearance of the cooking chamber 11 for the user and thus enhance the visual appeal of the steam cooker 1 for the customer.

[0048] To guide the steam through the steam inlet element 2, the receiving element 23 has a through-opening 24 in the form of a tapered nozzle or, alternatively (not shown here), in the form of a cylindrical through-opening, which can also be referred to as a steam channel 24. The steam channel 24 of the receiving element 23 tapers towards the opening element 20 to increase the pressure or velocity of the steam. The hose-side end of the through-opening 24 has a larger mean diameter than the cooking chamber-side end of the through-opening 24. Specifically, the mean diameter of the through-opening 24 at the hose-side end is 1.5 to 3 times larger than the mean diameter of the through-opening 24 at the cooking chamber-side end.Preferably, the mean diameter of the through-opening 24 at the hose-side end is twice as large as the mean diameter of the through-opening 24 at the cooking chamber-side end. In the illustrated embodiment, the hose-side end of the through-opening 24 preferably has a mean diameter greater than 5 millimeters, preferably approximately 6 millimeters. The cooking chamber-side end of the through-opening 24 preferably has a mean diameter of less than 5 millimeters, preferably approximately 3 millimeters. The opening element 20 has a through-opening 21 in the form of a cylindrical through-opening 21, which can be referred to as a steam outlet 21, extending through its body region 20b and its head region 20a.The steam channel 24 of the receiving element 23 transitions into the steam outlet 21 of the opening element 20, the steam outlet 21 having a significantly narrower mean diameter compared to the hose-side end of the through-opening 24 of the receiving element 23. Preferably, the mean diameter of the steam outlet 21 is identical, at least in the transition area from the receiving element 23 to the opening element 20, and is 3 millimeters in the illustrated embodiment. This allows a correspondingly high exit velocity of the steam into the cooking chamber 11 when the steam leaves the steam outlet 21 at the head region 20a of the opening element 20.

[0049] To achieve a steam-tight seal of the steam outlet element 2 between the opening element 20 and the receiving element 23, as well as against the housing 10, two sealing elements 26, 27 in the form of O-rings 26, 27 are provided. One sealing element 26, as the outer sealing element 26, is arranged as an outer O-ring 26 outside the cooking chamber 11 between the housing 10 and the receiving element 23. This outer O-ring 26 is clamped between the receiving element 23 and the housing 10 by tightening the opening element 20 against the receiving element 23, so that the outer O-ring 26 can act as a steam seal at this point.Similarly, the sealing element 27 in the form of an inner sealing element 27 as an inner O-ring 27 is arranged between the opening element 20 and the receiving element 23 inside the steam inlet element 2 and is also pressed in to seal against the receiving element 23 by tightening the opening element 20, so that the inner O-ring 27 can act in a similarly steam-tight manner at this point.

[0050] The receiving element 23 has a circumferentially extending and radially outwardly projecting retaining element 28 at its hose-side end, which faces away from the opening element 20. This retaining element 28 serves to hold the hose 17. The retaining element 28 can be configured as a locking element 28, a barb 28, a projection 28, or an undercut 28, and its effect can optionally be reinforced by a clamp. This clamp can be positioned on the corresponding end of the hose 17 and tightened when the end of the hose 17 is received by the retaining element 28. The clamp can be positioned, in particular, facing the opening element 20 opposite the retaining element 28, in order to hold the end of the hose 17 above the retaining element 28. For this purpose, the end of the hose 17 can be pushed onto the lower end of the receiving element 23 and held against being pulled off either by the retaining element 28 itself or by the aforementioned clamp.In the presentation of the . Fig. 7 The retaining element 28 is designed as a projection 28, the effect of which can be enhanced by the clamp described above.

[0051] Fig. 8 shows a side view of a steam inlet element 2 of the cooking appliance 1 with steam cooking function according to a second embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a top view of the steam inlet element 2 of the Fig. 8. Fig. 10 shows a horizontal section of the steam inlet element 2 of the Fig. 8 .

[0052] In this case, the previously described effect of the angle α is achieved by the fact that the head region 20a of the opening element 20 has a correspondingly angled course of the steam outlet 21 with the angle α relative to the body region 20b. In other words, the steam outlet 21 initially runs straight in the body region 20b of the opening element 20 and then bends at the angle α as it transitions into the head region 20a of the opening element 20, so that the steam outlet 21 exits the opening element 20 at an angle α on a corresponding inclined surface 29 of the head region 20a, see Fig. 9 und 10 .

[0053] In this way, the previously described effect of an angled exiting flow path S of the steam into the cooking chamber 11 can be achieved without having to provide the indentation 13 on the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber according to the first embodiment. This can simplify the implementation of a more homogeneous steam distribution in the cooking chamber 11.

[0054] It is also possible to combine the two previously described embodiments by mounting the steam inlet element 2 according to the second embodiment on the flanks 13a of the indentation 13 of the first embodiment. If the two angles α are aligned horizontally, a deflection of the exiting flow path S of the steam by twice the angle α relative to the rear wall 12a of the cooking chamber can be achieved, for example. If the two angles α are halved according to this embodiment compared to the angles α of the previously described embodiments, the effects described therein can also be achieved in this way.

[0055] Alternatively, the two combinable angles α can be used to cause a horizontal angular deflection of the steam flow path S by the angle α via the flanks 13a of the indentation 13, and simultaneously a vertical alignment by the angle α via the inclined surface 29 of the head region 20a of the opening element 20. This allows for both a horizontal and a vertical deflection of the steam flow path S by the angle α, resulting in a corresponding multidimensional turbulence and mixing of the steam both horizontally and vertically within the cooking chamber 11. This also improves the steam distribution within the cooking chamber 11 compared to known steam cookers 1. Reference numeral list (part of the description)

[0056] α Angle A Section S Flow path of the steam XLelongation; Depth Ytransverse direction; Width Zvertical direction; Height 1 Cooking appliance with steam cooking function; (combined) steam cooker 10 Housing 11 Cooking chamber 12 Walls 12a Cooking chamber rear wall 12b Right cooking chamber side wall 12c Left cooking chamber side wall 12d Cooking chamber floor 12e Cooking chamber ceiling 13 Embossing 13a Flanks of the embossing 14a First (lowest) mounting level (for drip tray) 14b Second mounting level (for food container / carrier) 14c Third mounting level (for food container / carrier) 14d Fourth mounting level (for food container / carrier) 15 Cooking chamber closure; cooking chamber door 16 Steam source; steam generator 17 Steam lines; hoses 18 Mounting element 18a Metal rails 2 Steam inlet elements; steam inlets 20 Opening elements 20a Head area 20b Body area 21 Through-opening or steam outlet of an opening element 20 22 Internal thread of an opening element 20 23 Receiving element 24 Through-opening or steam channel of a receiving element 23 25 External thread of a receiving element 23 26 (Outer) sealing element; (Outer) O-ring 27 (Inner) sealing element; (Inner) O-ring 28 Retaining element; locking element; barb; projection; undercut 29 Slanted surface of the head area 20a of the opening element 20

Claims

1. Cooking appliance (1) having a steam cooking function, comprising a cooking chamber (11) which is designed to accommodate food to be prepared, the cooking chamber (11) being substantially enclosed by a housing (10), comprising a steam source (16) which is designed to generate steam for preparing the food, and comprising at least one steam inlet element (2) which is designed and arranged to guide at least some of the steam from the steam source (16) through the housing (10) into the cooking chamber (11), the steam inlet element (2) has an opening element (20) which is arranged at least partially in the interior of the cooking chamber (11), at least the portion of the opening element (20) arranged in the cooking chamber (11) being made of metal, preferably of stainless steel, the opening element (20) having at least one through-opening (21) which is designed to guide steam from the steam source (16) through the housing (10) into the cooking chamber (11), characterised in that the steam inlet element (2) has a receiving element (23) which receives and holds the opening element (20), the receiving element (23) being arranged at least substantially, preferably completely, outside the cooking chamber (11), the receiving element (23) has at least one through-opening (24) which is designed to supply steam from the steam source (16) to the opening element (20), the through-opening (24) being tapered towards the opening element (20) and the receiving element (23) being connected to at least one steam line (17).

2. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein the steam inlet element (2) is arranged on a wall (12), preferably on a flank (13a) of an embossed portion (13) of a wall (12), of the housing (10) in such a way that the steam inlet element (2) can guide the steam into the cooking chamber (11) at an angle (α) to the wall (12) of the housing (10), wherein the angle (α) is not equal to 90°, wherein the angle (α) between the steam inlet element (2) and the wall (12) is realised by the wall (12) being inclined by the angle (α) in a region of the embossed portion (13) relative to the remaining region of the wall (12).

3. Cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein the opening element (20) has a head region (20a) which is supported against the housing (10) from within the cooking chamber (11), and in that the receiving element (23) is supported against the housing (10) from outside the cooking chamber (11).

4. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving element (23) is formed at least partially, preferably substantially, preferably completely, from plastics material.

5. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening element (20) has an external thread (25), preferably a self-tapping external thread (25), wherein preferably the receiving element (23) has an internal thread (22).

6. Cooking appliance (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the hose-side end of the through-opening (24) has a larger average diameter than a cooking chamber-side end of the through-opening (24), in particular the average diameter of the through-opening (24) at the hose-side end is 1.5 times to three times as large as the average diameter of the through-opening (24) at the cooking chamber-side end.

7. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the steam inlet element (2) is designed such that the steam inlet element (2) can guide the steam into the cooking chamber (11) at least substantially at an angle (α) to a wall (12), preferably to a flank (13a) of an embossed portion (13) of a wall (12), of the cooking chamber (11), the angle (α) being not equal to 90°, preferably between 15° and 65°, preferably between 20° and 60°, preferably between 30° and 50°, preferably 40°, the angle (α) being preferably aligned horizontally.

8. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the through-opening (21) of the opening element (20) has an average diameter of less than 4 millimetres, preferably of approximately 3 millimetres, and the length of the through-opening (21) in the opening element (20) made of metal is at least 9 millimetres, preferably more than 12 millimetres, preferably 15 millimetres.

9. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the steam inlet element (2) is arranged on a cooking chamber rear wall (12a) of the housing (10).

10. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two steam inlet elements (2) are provided, wherein the angles (α) of the two steam inlet elements (2) are preferably oriented away from each other.

11. Cooking appliance (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the steam inlet element (2) is arranged at a height (Z) above a first receiving plane (14a) and below a second receiving plane (14b) located thereabove, wherein the first receiving plane (14a) is preferably the lowest receiving plane (14a).

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